Throughout Texas pollen has started to affect those with allergies as we continue to see COVID-19 spread. Allergy season in Texas usually begins in early March and continues until mid-October. With people spending more time outdoors, they may begin to experience symptoms that are similar to COVID-19 but these symptoms are actually triggered by a reaction to pollen or grass.
While some symptoms of the coronavirus overlap with allergies, there are several differences. Continue reading to learn more about the differences and if you think you have been exposed to or have COVID-19, contact the team at St. Elizabeth Urgent Care for a telemedicine visit.
WHAT IS THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN COVID-19 AND SEASONAL ALLERGIES?
COVID-19 is a contagious respiratory illness caused by infection with a new coronavirus (called SARS-CoV-2, the virus that causes COVID-19).
Seasonal allergies triggered by airborne pollen can lead to seasonal allergic rhinitis, which affects the nose and sinuses, and seasonal allergic conjunctivitis, which affects the eyes.
COVID-19 and seasonal allergies share quite a few symptoms, but there are also some key differences between the two. For example, COVID-19 can cause fever, which is not a symptom of seasonal allergies. As there are many similar symptoms between COVID-19 and seasonal allergies, you may want to schedule a COVID-19 test to confirm your diagnosis
SYMPTOMS OF COVID-19
According to the CDC, reported illnesses have ranged from mild symptoms to severe illness and death for confirmed COVID-19 cases. The following symptoms can appear 2-14 days after exposure:
- Fever
- Cough
- Shortness of breath
- Fatigue
- Muscle or body aches
- Headache
- New loss of taste or smell
- Sore throat
- Congestion or runny nose
- Nausea or vomiting
- Diarrhea
SYMPTOMS OF ALLERGIES
Symptoms of seasonal allergies range from mild to severe and occur seasonally. The most common symptoms include:
- Sneezing
- Runny Or Stuffy Nose
- Watery And Itchy Eyes
- Itchy Sinuses, Throat, Or Ear Canals
- Ear Congestion
- Postnasal Drainage
- Headache
- Shortness Of Breath
- Wheezing
- Coughing
CONTACT US FOR COVID TESTING IF YOU HAVE SYMPTOMS
If you are experiencing any of the above symptoms and would like to get tested for COVID, do not hesitate to reach out to us. We do suggest you schedule a virtual telemedicine visit before coming in so we can discuss your symptoms. This is so we can evaluate your health concerns remotely while helping reduce any potential exposure. We also offer COVID antibody testing and COVID rapid testing at our urgent care clinics in Houston and Dickinson, TX. Contact one of our locations today.